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RESEARCH ARTICLE

Substrate type affects the abundance and size of a coral-reef sponge between depths

Alan R. Duckworth
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Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB 3, Townsville, Qld 4810, Australia. Email: a.duckworth@aims.gov.au

Marine and Freshwater Research 67(2) 246-255 https://doi.org/10.1071/MF14308
Submitted: 2 October 2014  Accepted: 22 January 2015   Published: 29 May 2015

Abstract

Substrate stability could influence abundance and size patterns of benthic organisms and thus affect community structure. Sponges on coral reefs are often found growing on calcareous rock and rubble that vary in stability, with loose rubble more easily moved by water flow, which is typically strongest in shallower water. Using the common Indo-Pacific sponge, Coscinoderma matthewsi (Lendenfeld, 1886), the present study examines the interaction of substrate type and depth (6 and 12 m) on sponge abundance, size, morphology and skeletal properties (i.e. spongin fibres). Coscinoderma matthewsi was three times less common at 6 m, with most sponges at this depth attached to rock, even though rubble had higher percentage cover. Mean sponge length, width and height were all greatest at 12 m, with sponges growing largest on rock, probably because it is a more stable substrate for survival and growth. Morphology varied between depths, with most C. matthewsi individuals at 6 m having a massive shape, whereas many sponges at 12 m grew large lobes; this increases their surface area and possibly promotes filtration. Spongin density, length and width varied greatly among individuals; however, there was no consistent pattern across depth.

Additional keywords: substrate stability, water flow.


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